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Gratitude is a vital part of healing,
mental health and wellness. Once a week, we compose a list of things
we're most grateful for. You're invited to share yours in the comments
below.

Hi, darling! I've had an excellent couple of weeks! (Hope you did, too).

♥ Two weekends
ago, I had a sleepover with my longtime best friends, Chana, Tush and
Shu. We made delicious pasta with cream sauce and broccoli and cheese,
stayed up late chatting and sat on the porch swing to enjoy the warm
weather.

♥
Last weekend, my mom and I stayed over at my Aunt Suzie's. We stayed up
late and made crafts, looked at old photos and chatted about makeup and
travel and magazines.

♥
Getting back in the swing of things! I'm rekindling my motivation,
writing a lot and working on Facebook marketing. It feels good.

It's been over a month since the Trichotillomania Learning Center's annual conference, but I'm still digesting all the invaluable lessons I learned. Even if you didn't get the chance to attend, these ideas might help you, too.

Don't compare your problems to others'. Who's to say pulling is worse than picking, or vice versa? Besides, comparing issues is a waste of time that could be spent working toward a solution.

Even the people you look up to struggle sometimes. I met some incredible, accomplished, well-respected people. They're doing amazing things, living inspiring lives and they look put-together and flawless while they're at it. You'd never guess they secretly struggle with BFRBs. Hearing about their experiences, and learning that they lead fulfilling lives in spite of them is exactly the motivation I need to stay on the path to recovery.

Relapse happens, and that's okay. Some days, I pull a lot. Some days, I can't stop chewing my lip or biting my nails or picking my skin. And that's okay. Recovery isn't a destination; it's a journey, and it takes time. We all slip up. It's okay.

Being open about your struggle is brave, healthy and can help both you and others. Don't be ashamed of your illness; be proud of how hard you fight it every single day.

I've missed you, gorgeous! Thanks to some really painful complications from PCOS, I've been MIA for a little while, but I'm slowly getting back on track. That's something I'm incredibly thankful for. What are you most excited about this week?

Little things which made me smile:

♥ 30 Rock marathons ♥ Connecting with new people on Twitter ♥ Learning lots from Alexis' webinar on Twitter for Go-Getters. Plus, you can sign up for Lexi's next free webinar here! ♥ Re-reading The Help ♥ Lana Del Rey's Fashion Magazine cover ♥ Working on new content for The Teacher and the Traveller ♥ Electric blue nail polish ♥ New music from two excellent but very different artists: Demi Lovato & HIM ♥